Oleksandr Zinchenko’s tearful support for Ukraine after EPL title win

More than 6 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the war on February 24

The Ukrainian flag Oleksandr Zinchenko used to wipe away the tears also inspired Manchester City's Premier League title winner.

As Zinchenko paraded around the field with the trophy, the yellow-and-blue colors of his homeland were wrapped around him. Then the weeping Ukraine international set the trophy down on the field and draped it in the flag — sending out another powerful message in support of his nation as it fights back against the Russian invasion.

“It's unforgettable emotions for me, for all the Ukrainians who at the moment are starving,” Zinchenko said after Sunday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa sealed the title.

“They are surviving in my country because of Russian aggression. I'm so proud to be Ukrainian, and I would love to one day bring this title to Ukraine, for all Ukrainian people, because they deserve it.”

More than 6 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the war on February 24, according to the United Nations refugee agency. Zinchenko has raised money for the refugees and used social media to highlight Russian atrocities.

“At some point, especially in the beginning, I didn't think too much about football because it is impossible to live with what is happening in my country,” Zinchenko said.

“But with all the support which I had during this period, we did it.”